Heels On Wheels: 2011 Honda CR-V Review - VIDEO ENHANCED

2011 Honda CR-V

HEELS ON WHEELS
By Katrina Ramser
San Francisco Bureau
The Auto Channel

INTRO TO THE CR-V VEHICLE
The Honda CR-V, standing for either Comfortable Runabout Vehicle or Compact
Recreational Vehicle, is really the SUV that set the crossover blaze afire
back in 1997 when it first debuted. And it remains a popular choice to this
day due to a curvaceous redesign a few models back, modern interior
technology and an efficient 4-cylinder engine. For 2011, a new trim, the SE
(Special Edition), adds to the standard features of the CR-V LX some alloy
wheels, a 6- speaker 6-disc CD player, steering wheel-mounted audio
controls and rear privacy glass.

I drove a 2011 Honda CR-V equipped with the 180-horsepower 2.4-liter DOCH
i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission with Grand
Control Logic and Real Time 4WD. Available in LX, SE, EX and EX-L (all with
or without 4WD), my top-of-the line EX-L trim came with the following
highlights: leather-trimmed seats, 7-speaker audio system, steering wheel
mounted controls, XM Radio, driver’s 10-way power seating, Bluetooth,
and Honda’s Satellite-Linked Navigation System with
voice-recognition. Total vehicle cost came to $30,095.

There isn’t quite anything wrong with this practical
small-to-mid-size SUV. But that statement in itself is the problem with the
Honda CR-V. There isn’t really anything that sets it apart from the
oversaturated and very competitive crossover market. The CR-V gets you to
where you need to go, but not all that fast. The vehicle has a decent
navigation system, but one that needs updating. It offers a spacious, but
rather plain, interior. In short, the CR-V is for those that like
consistency in their ride and aren’t moved much by the wow factor.

Watch TACH's exclusive Honda CR-V EX-L promo video

HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA

Stylish But Comfortable Results: A big plus for the CR-V is
its roomy interior. Also, the center console is very driver-oriented with
the radio and climate controls as well as the automatic shifter all housed
directly near to one another. Yet for 10-way power seating, I expected more
comfort. Note there is no third row option, which is a popular request for
SUV shoppers. Overall, you’ll find little to complain about; but
again – not much to compliment.

Reliability & Safety Factor: Surprisingly, the 2011 Honda
CR-V did not make the 2011 Top Safety Pick list by The Insurance Institute
for Highway Safety (IIHS), although the Element and Odyssey did. The CR-V
has ratings of “Good” in all crash test categories but roof
strength, which earns just a “Marginal” rating. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) give the CR-V 4-stars (versus
5-stars) in all testing areas.

Cost Issues: The base model – the LX trim with 2WD
– starts at $21,895. A Honda CR-V EX-L trim with 4WD and
Honda’s Satellite Navigation System tops at $30,095. This is vehicle
best served modest, or at the cheaper trims, as increasing options cannot
disguise the fact the interior just has a very simple feel.

Activity & Performance Ability: The CR-V’s powertrain
lacks any performance pluses like a turbo or supercharged option that so
many of its competitors are offering. Yet the ride is reliable, as the
engine offers steady acceleration, the brakes are balanced, shifting is
seamless and the steering feel is firm. But the lack of power leaves
something to be desired, especially after driving the automaker’s
newest edition, the Acura TSX Sport Wagon and loving the performance of the
201-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. If you walk away feeling robbed
of excitement, try test driving this model.

The Green Concern: The 180-horsepower 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC
4-cylinder engine with 2WD gets an estimated 24-MPG on average. Equipped
with Real Time 4WD, the vehicle retains 23-MPG, which does beat out many
SUV competitors (those with bigger V6 engines, of course).

FINAL PARTING WORDSThe Honda CR-V might be an affordable and reliable crossover choice,
but it is definitely not a vehicle for those expecting to be wooed by
either luxury or powertrain performance – two components many
competitors are happy to offer you at also reasonable prices.